Souls of San Francisco is an online street photography project by Dijon Bowden. Since 2011, he has captured thousands of stories from the people who make up the cultural fabric of the Bay Area. Check out past Souls stories: www.soulsofsociety.com.

“I’m from the Bay Area. I came here because I was in an abusive relationship. I had gotten into an escort service and most of my calls were coming out of San Francisco. I got a call here one day, came into the city, and never returned to that relationship. I’ve been different places like Colorado, and Sacramento, but this place always calls me back.”

Dijon: “How long were you doing escort work?”

“Oh God, I did it for about eight years. I did really well, but if I was smart I would put up some money for retirement.”

Dijon: “How was it that you got out if it?”

“The woman I worked for moved to Los Angeles or Vegas, or one of those places, and when she moved she took her business with her.”

Dijon: “So you decided not to continue with anyone else?”

“Well, I put ads in papers, I had a couple in the Guardian. But it just wasn’t the same. But I’m thinking about taking some pictures and posting something.”

Dijon: “You wanna go back to it?”

“Well maybe, that’s pretty much what I’m doing. Me and my boyfriend broke up and he was my main support. I guess it easier than getting a job.”

Dijon: “What are the men like that come to see you?”

“The men around here are really cheap.”

Dijon: “How do they treat you?”

“All rright. They’re just really cheap.”

Dijon: “How is it having a relationship while doing this kind of work? Did he know about this?”

“Yeah, I don’t keep it a secret. Actually, it intrigued him, he kind of liked it. It’s really hard doing this kind of work in San Francisco, maybe I should go downtown. I pay $65 a day for my hotel. That plus you got to eat, and clothes, and cigarettes, you know — life is expensive. I’m trying to hold it together.”

Dijon: “You look like you’re holding it together.”

“Thank you.”

Dijon: “What do you like to do when you’re not working? You like to read?”

“I love to read. I like to listen to music, I like dancing. I like spending time with my family but they don’t live here.”

Dijon: “Did the escorting affect your relationship with your family?”

“No, they know. They’re pretty open minded. My family is dysfunctional, and I know a lot of people whose family is dysfunctional.”